Water avens

Once known as herba benedicta (blessed herb), the European species Geum urbanum was thought to drive away evil spirits and beasts. Native peoples in the United States and Canada drank a decoction made from its rhizome. The rhizome is also used to treat diarrhea and hemorrhaging. The rhizome must be gathered in spring. One teaspoon of the fresh or dried rhizome should be infused for 30 minutes in a cup of water. No more than two cups should be drunk a day, and no more than half a cup at a time.